Special education teacher plans to challenge Michael Bissonnette for mayor in Chicopee

CHICOPEE - A longtime special education teacher in the city schools is planning to challenge Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette in the Nov. 3 election.

John-Paul Boisvert took out nomination papers at the city clerk's office this week. Bissonnette took out papers two weeks ago in his bid for a third, two-year term as mayor.

"I'm not happy with the current administration," Boisvert said. "Over the years, many people have asked me to run for mayor."

Boisvert said he didn't want to get into the specifics of his campaign at this point. He said he plans on forming a committee within the next couple weeks.

Boisvert grew up in Chicopee and graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School in 1971. He has been a teacher for the past 33 years, the last 20 in Chicopee public schools. He currently teaches sixth-grade special education at Edward Bellamy Middle School.

Bissonnette said he's proud of the progress the city has made over the past three years. His campaign is scheduled to hold its first organizational meeting for the 2009 election Thursday, he said.

"I'm not taking anything for granted," Bissonnette said. "I appreciate the public's trust in me and I do not intend to take the job for granted."

The last day to obtain nomination papers is July 24. Papers must be filed with the registrar's office by July 28. Mayoral candidates must obtain 250 valid signatures, while others need 50.